The Carter mansion glowed like a palace under the city lights, but inside, the air was cold.
Sophia sat across from her father in his vast study, fingers wrapped tightly around her wine glass.
"I heard Ethan was hospitalized," Mr. Carter said, voice firm and emotionless.
"He's fine now."
Her father leaned back. "And who was the doctor?"
Sophia hesitated. "…Adrian."
Silence.
Then, Mr. Carter laughed, sharp and bitter. "Fate has a funny sense of humor."
Sophia said nothing.
"You should have told him," he continued. "You let your pride cost your son a father."
"I didn't need Adrian back in our lives."
"No. You didn't want anyone in your life. Not love. Not marriage. Just money and control."
Her eyes flashed. "And that built this empire. Not love. Discipline."
Mr. Carter stood and walked to the window. "You're the CEO of a billion-dollar company, Sophia. But you're a single mother. Investors are starting to whisper. Shareholders are watching."
"So?"
"So… it's time you marry."
She froze. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me," he said calmly. "You need a husband. A stable image. For Ethan. For the company."
Sophia stood. "I don't need a man to validate me."
"You do if you want to keep your position."
---
That night, Sophia stared at the ceiling, Ethan asleep beside her.
Her father's words echoed like thunder in her head.
Then, an idea struck her. Cold. Strategic. Perfect.
She picked up her phone.
Her message was short:
"Adrian. We need to talk."